-- To our extended Coast Guard family: Such a terrible time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you because you do such wonderful, wonderful work and such great deeds. May God wrap his arms around you and take care of each of you.

Thanks for help with car

-- Thank you to the two young men that pushed my car out of the road when I broke down at Cottage Hill and Hillcrest. They pushed me into the Chevron station and I didn’t get a chance to thank them last night. There are a lot of good people in this world.

A valued mentor

-- It’s a very nice article about Eugene Keebler and his life. He was a mentor to hundreds of people, particularly college students. He influenced a multitude of pastors around the world who have touched lives, including myself.

It’s in the books

-- I’m a volunteer for a school library. I was thrilled to read that the libraries may get some much-needed money from the Gayfers sale. Most people don’t know that our school libraries haven’t had a state appropriation for four years. The library is the heart and soul of a school and reading must be encouraged in every way.

Read between the lines

-- To Alabamians who are falling for the line that charter schools are better: Don’t be a fall guy for people who simply want to take over education money and use it as they want to use it. Read between the lines. Go online. Research charter schools. Studies show they’re no more successful than any other school, and in some cases, less so.

How much for City Hall?

-- Well, I wake up this morning and the city of Mobile has more budget deficits and they don’t even make half a percent on their pension investments. I think you folks better consider selling some city buildings. Doesn’t anyone watch anything there anymore?

We were already behind

-- I’m not a policeman or a fireman, but it’s apparent in the paper this morning that Mayor Jones and the people that work for him are trying to make the firemen and policemen the scapegoats for the budget shortfall. The obligation for the pension is very small in comparison to the deficit we already have.

Dueling preachers in classroom

-- Another reason to be embarrassed to be an Alabamian: The Legislature may allow these religious groups to intrude upon state education time. Shouldn’t we know by now, with what’s going on in the world, how dangerous religion is?

Marley Café a winner

-- I would greatly appreciate the Bob Marley Café coming to Baldwin County. I usually visit Jamaica every year and look forward to a restaurant with that vibe being here. It will create jobs.

Quiet plea for safety

-- This message is for those who travel on Congress Street between Broad and St. Joseph during the hours of 6 to 7. There is a yellow flashing light indicating a school zone. There are two schools in this area. I ask you to please slow down.